Abstract: IBM finally seems to have gotten the message of “smaller is better” when it comes to rackmount servers with the introduction of three new models to its Netfinity line of Intel-based servers

Abstract: As part of a far-reaching strategy to grab a large share of Internet infrastructure computing, Dell has announced three new appliance server models.

Abstract: Companies that are not already offering the capabilities of meeting the exacting, stringent requirements of federal agencies will likely not be able to tap the recent surge in the federal and defense markets. Conversely, those vendors and their users--government contractors--who can deliver comprehensive solutions that satisfy the requirements of federal agencies are in the driver's seat to capture that market segment.

Abstract: In this economy, enterprise resource planning (ERP) software is a critical business asset and key driver of lean practices. According to Aberdeen Group, best-in-class manufacturing companies are 35 percent more likely than other companies to operate on a current version of ERP. Discover the key considerations?and the potential benefits?that you should keep top-of-mind as part of an overall application lifecycle strategy.

Abstract: Companies often overlook telesales as a vital source of core revenue. In fact, telesales can be a major driver of software sales and can make an impact far more quickly than field-based enterprise selling. Find out how IT telesales can assist with revenue growth, discover the keys to improving your IT telesales success, and learn why telesales usually involves identifying smaller, more product-focused opportunity.

Abstract: As a fast-growing company, you have the same objectives as any business. But you’re probably finding it challenging to gain the control you need to achieve these goals without sacrificing your IT budget. And when you try to achieve control, it’s often at the risk of slowing down your business. Find out how having enterprise-wide visibility of your business processes and activities can put you back in the driver’s seat.

Abstract: The critical difference between industry leaders and laggards is a focus on the consumer experience. Search is a fundamental bridge between an enterprise and its stakeholders, and the quality of the search experience is a core driver of experiential perceptions. Delivering a powerful search experience builds a brand perceived as responsive, empathetic, and knowledgeable. Sounds good, right? So where do you start?

Abstract: Do you spend all your time chasing new customers instead of taking care of the ones you already have? Most customer relationship management (CRM) projects focus on customer relationships but fail to address customer experience as a loyalty driver. In part two of a two-part series, learn about best practices recommended by customer experience management (CEM) experts, and how they can help you improve long-term loyalty.

Abstract: Since our research-driven beginnings, Johnson & Johnson Advanced Sterilization Products (ASP) has continually improved the new product development (NPD) process. Detailed process mapping has revealed three tiers of business metrics, starting with drivers and moving up through execution metrics to business performance metrics. When driver metrics improves, so does business performance. Six Sigma tools helps identify specific metrics at all tiers and the causality linkages among them. Each NPD process step at ASP results in a deliverable, and each deliverable relates to a trade-off triangle (cost-time-resources) and, ultimately, to investment dollars. To track performance, ASP calculates how actual NPD decisions and what-if scenarios affect deliverables, alter investment triangles, and thereby influence business results. ASP uses similar process and tools, including the investment triangles and Six Sigma QFD, to make idea management decisions. The IDweb real-time software environment enables both the NPD and idea management processes at ASP. By deploying the strategic planning, idea management, portfolio and pipeline management, process management, and resource management modules of IDweb, ASP has increased throughput by 20 percent and reduced cycle time by 40 percent.

Abstract: Contemporary firms must recognize a fundamental shift in the management of distribution activities as a strategic driver of their competitive success. Instead of the traditional focus on pushing products to customers through distribution channels, there is a need to migrate toward adaptive distribution networks. Such networks focus on managing the flow orders from customers by providing them with high levels of convenience while preserving attention to responsiveness and total distribution costs.

Abstract: Integrating actuals into the planning cycle is usually a zoo. Financial and operating results are spread across multiple databases. Actual results and plan details are at different levels. Lack of underlying volumes and rates makes meaningful causal analysis difficult. Discover financial planning and analysis software that lets you fully integrate actuals, and plan using driver-based planning and reporting.

Abstract: Can you relate to the following software demo situation? Jennifer, the sales engineer, is at the keyboard. She’s on a roll. She’s been setting the stage to show how her price matrix capability will eliminate costly errors. This is all-important to the prospect. She has the audience’s full attention and is steadily moving them toward her objective. Suddenly Robert, the account executive, interrupts from the back of the room. “Jennifer, I think this would be a great time to show how the information you’re working with updates the data warehouse and is immediately available for sales analysis purposes.” Everybody shifts their attention from Jennifer and the all-important price matrix capability to Robert and the equally important data warehouse function. In an instant, the momentum Jennifer has been building dies.

Abstract: A request for proposal or RFP letter of intent tells the company issuing the RFP that you are interested not only in submitting a proposal in response, but also in receiving all RFP updates and modifications. It is highly recommended to read the recommendations on properly writing an RFP letter of intent. The RFP Letter of Intent is part of your FREE RFP Letters Toolkit, 2008 Edition

Abstract: What’s new at EAI vendor Mercator Software? TEC updates a report from August 2000. Mercator Software has found themselves on a long and rocky road, where the bumps have included loss or reassignment of most of their executive management team, a precipitous drop in market capitalization, and an uncertain future. On the upside, Mercator has announced a 50% increase in revenue for October and November 2000 compared to the same period in 1999, and also announced a major sale to Amazon.com.

Abstract: For nearly 30 years, Miniature Precision Components, Inc. (MPC) supported its operations with an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. Though MPC performed well with this legacy system, many custom modifications hindered easy and cost-effective updates. The goal was to get a system that involved less effort and cost, and provided support for MPC’s unique operation requirements. Find out about the system MPC chose.

Abstract: InMotion, with more than 50 stores in 33 airports, delivers portable entertainment to the travelers’ market. InMotion faced inventory control issues due to limited store space, and plans to merge with another airport retailer added to the problem. The merger required InMotion to find a solution that could handle multiple sales channels while providing real-time inventory updates to prevent overstock in stores. Learn more.

Abstract: Mobile devices have become important tools for leading-edge companies looking for an advantage in a competitive global business environment, by providing users with instant access to key people, processes, information, and products. Turning to a mobile customer relationship management (CRM) solution can help you see further gains in productivity, customer satisfaction, and real-time updates. Learn more about mobile CRM.

Abstract: To understand the meaning and value of dynamic content, you must first look at the various approaches to e-learning. Traditional e-learning hard-bakes content into static material, causing updates to become a very lengthy process. Dynamic content strategies, however, delivered through evolving learning content management (LCM) technologies, provide efficient, error-free content revision. Find out how LCM can benefit you.